What defines 19th-century British still life painting?

Victorian still life painting gained immense popularity in the 19th century, characterised by detailed naturalism, rich colour palettes, and balanced compositions of fruit, flora, and domestic objects reflecting abundance and domestic tranquility.

What materials were traditionally used in Victorian fine art paintings?

Artists typically painted with oil pigments bound in linseed oil on hand-stretched linen or cotton canvas, encased in elaborate wood and gesso frames decorated with real gold leaf.

How can you identify an authentic 19th-century oil painting?

Authentic pieces feature natural age-related craquelure across the paint surface, historic stretcher bar marks, artist signatures or dates, and appropriate patination on the back of the canvas and timber frame.

How do you style an antique still life painting in a modern interior?

Position the artwork as a focal point above a contemporary sideboard, mantelpiece, or dining room credenza to create a sophisticated contrast between traditional fine art and modern furniture lines.

How should an antique framed oil painting be preserved?

Keep the canvas away from direct sunlight, dampness, and fluctuating heat sources. Dust the frame gently with a soft dry brush, and avoid applying water or chemical cleaners directly to the painted surface.

for sale €6,669 $7,239

£5,700

Benton Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2012

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

Specialists in 19th & early 20th century original oil paintings by listed artists
Trade Associations

Benton Fine Art is a registered member of LAPADA BADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Gold Framed Fine Art

19th Century Framed Art

Ornate Gilded Frame Picture

Id #SA1184912

PDF

SAVE

Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

Name: Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1184912
Price: 5700 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Benton Fine Art

Description

William Duffield

British, (1816-1863)

Still Life of Fruit & a Vase

Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1850

Image size: 13.5 inches x 18.5 inches

Size including frame: 18.5 inches x 23.5 inches

A wonderful still life painting of fruit and a vase by William Duffield. An array of fruit including grapes, peaches and a Melon are depicted grouped together on a table. Nestled behind them can be seen a grey crackle glazed ring handled vase flanked by wind fallen vine leaves.

William Duffield was born in Bath in 1816, the second son of Charles and Anne Duffield. His father was a bookseller who at one time owned the Royal Union Library. His talent for art was spotted at a young age by the engraver George Doo who offered to take him as his pupil. He was later admitted to the Royal Academy Schools on 7 December, 1836 to study painting under George Lance (1802-1864) who was a great influence on his work.

After graduating from the Academy he left London to study in Antwerp with the Belgian historical and genre artist Baron Wappers (1803-1874). He returned to England and went back to Bath, initially making his living painting portraits for local dignitaries, including the one of the Mayor of Bath found in the Victoria Art Gallery. However, inspired by his former teacher Lance, he soon began producing still life paintings of fruit and game for which he was to become best known for.

In the late 1840s, he met the flower painter Mary Elizabeth Rosenberg (1819-1914), who was also from Bath and the two were married on 28 February, 1850. Mary’s father was the artist Thomas Elliott Rosenberg and her brother George Fred Rosenberg (1825-1869) was also a flower painter. The couple worked together at their home at 14 Bladud’s Buildings in Bath where their first child William was born. At some point, Duffield moved to London where he and his family lived at Phillimore Gardens in Kensington. William and his wife Mary continued working together until his tragic death on 3 September, 1863.

Duffield’s work is represented in a number of public art collections including the Atkinson Art Gallery, English Heritage, The Holburne Museum, Leicester Museum, Sunderland Museum, Victoria Art Gallery Bath and The Wilson.

Presentation: The painting is housed in its original gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.

© Benton Fine Art

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

60cm (23.62")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Benton Fine Art has dated this Victorian Fruit Still Life to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1184912

Dealers Notes

Members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA).

We use a professional, fully insured and tracked door to door service for our UK and international deliveries. Please contact us for further information and shipping quotes.

Viewing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. However, we can also arrange for you to view the item in your home, depending on the location.

For a wider range of stock please visit www.bentonfineart.com.

If you would like to purchase this item or have any questions, please email us at pictures@bentonfineart.com or call 07710 540549.

© Benton Fine Art

Description

William Duffield

British, (1816-1863)

Still Life of Fruit & a Vase

Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1850

Image size: 13.5 inches x 18.5 inches

Size including frame: 18.5 inches x 23.5 inches

A wonderful still life painting of fruit and a vase by William Duffield. An array of fruit including grapes, peaches and a Melon are depicted grouped together on a table.

“

Nestled behind them can be seen a grey crackle glazed ring handled vase flanked by wind fallen vine leaves.

Benton Fine Art

fig 1. A Victorian still life oil painting depicting a melon, grapes, peaches, cherries, and a porcelain vase within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 1. Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

William Duffield was born in Bath in 1816, the second son of Charles and Anne Duffield. His father was a bookseller who at one time owned the Royal Union Library. His talent for art was spotted at a young age by the engraver George Doo who offered to take him as his pupil. He was later admitted to the Royal Academy Schools on 7 December, 1836 to study painting under George Lance (1802-1864) who was a great influence on his work.

fig 2. A Victorian still life oil painting depicting a melon, grapes, peaches, cherries, and a porcelain vase within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 2. Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

After graduating from the Academy he left London to study in Antwerp with the Belgian historical and genre artist Baron Wappers (1803-1874). He returned to England and went back to Bath, initially making his living painting portraits for local dignitaries, including the one of the Mayor of Bath found in the Victoria Art Gallery. However, inspired by his former teacher Lance, he soon began producing still life paintings of fruit and game for which he was to become best known for.

fig 3. A Victorian still life oil painting depicting a melon, grapes, peaches, cherries, and a porcelain vase within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 3. Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

In the late 1840s, he met the flower painter Mary Elizabeth Rosenberg (1819-1914), who was also from Bath and the two were married on 28 February, 1850. Mary’s father was the artist Thomas Elliott Rosenberg and her brother George Fred Rosenberg (1825-1869) was also a flower painter. The couple worked together at their home at 14 Bladud’s Buildings in Bath where their first child William was born. At some point, Duffield moved to London where he and his family lived at Phillimore Gardens in Kensington. William and his wife Mary continued working together until his tragic death on 3 September, 1863.

fig 4. A Victorian still life oil painting depicting a melon, grapes, peaches, cherries, and a porcelain vase within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 4. Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

Duffield’s work is represented in a number of public art collections including the Atkinson Art Gallery, English Heritage, The Holburne Museum, Leicester Museum, Sunderland Museum, Victoria Art Gallery Bath and The Wilson.

fig 5. A Victorian still life oil painting depicting a melon, grapes, peaches, cherries, and a porcelain vase within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 5. Still Life Oil Painting of Fruit & a Vase by William Duffield

Presentation: The painting is housed in its original gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.